There are four possible birth order positions within a family. A child may be the oldest, the youngest or the 41 child, or an only child 42 no brothers or sisters. Birth order theory says that our birth order influences what kind of person we each 43 .
Children in each birth position have a 44 way to gain an advantage in the family. The oldest children often get more time with their parents. They always try to be 45 and do everything correctly. The youngest children are used to other people providing for them. They may be more 46 about themselves than about other people. As for middle children, they can sometimes feel left out, since they don't get the 47 of being the oldest or the youngest. Some middle children become competitive and even rebel against (反抗) their parents. 48 many of them make peace in the family.
The last birth order position is only children. With no brothers or sisters they often 49 whatever they want! They don't have any 50 for their parents' time or resources. Only children often use language very well 51 they spend so much time with adults. They can also feel a lot of 52 as only children, which can make them competitive and hardworking.
Some people 53 that birth order theory describes them very well. Other people say the theory doesn't 54 . There are many other different 55 that may change the effects of birth order on personality. These variables 56 the sex and age of each child and the number of brothers and sisters. Culture and education 57 make a difference. So does the amount of money that the 58 has. The experiences of the family can also change how birth order affects 59 .
As family expert Frank Sulloway says, “Humans are complex. But that doesn't mean birth order isn't 60 we can learn from.”
41. A. middle B. last C. small D. cute
42. A. beyond B. under C. with D. for
43. A. become B. need C. accept D. see
44. A. new B. different C. strange D. right
45. A. perfect B. honest C. polite D. curious
46. A. concerned B. cautious C. excited D. disappointed
47. A. results B. promises C. advantages D. dreams
48. A. And B. So C. But D. Or
49. A. get B. ignore C. hide D. doubt
50. A. preparation B. excuse C. authority D. competition
51. A. until B. because C. unless D. though
52. A. sadness B. pressure C. pity D. pain
53. A. advise B. hope C. know D. find
54. A. work B. happen C. appear D. develop
55. A. forms B. situations C. standards D. purposes
56. A. influence B. change C. include D. describe
57. A. seldom B. also C. never D. ever
58. A. team B. society C. school D. family
59. A. emotion B. attitude C. personality D. behavior
60. A. anything B. nothing C. something D. everything